By Devendra Shrikhande, Senior Project Manager
If there is one thing synonymous with the Web, it is its tie with change and youth. The public persona of the Internet is largely shaped by and for younger generations. However, the Web is starting to pay more attention to seniors.
In terms of affinity for the Web, seniors either dive in or stay away. In fact, in my own family, I have one senior who has taken to the Web like a duck to water, while another is still reluctant after seven years of coaxing!
A 2007 Pew/Internet survey identified 32 percent of the 65 and over age group as Internet users, and a whopping 65 percent, of the 50-64 age group (i.e., the baby boomers), use the Web. Does anybody catch that faint aroma of opportunity? Some already are – there are various online communities (such as Eons, Rezoom, and Boomj) that are dedicated to seniors or those at the cusp of entering that group. And, it should not be a surprise that the most popular activities on the Web include researching health, medical and product information.
To address the needs of seniors, you must deliver more than content and accessibility. You must learn their preferences and utilize both online and offline channels so you can engage seniors at their level of comfort.
If you are interested in more information about how to approach the senior market online, make sure to attend our Webinar, Reach the Mature Market: How Seniors Use Hospital Web Site, this Thursday, April 17 at 2:00 CT. For more information about the Webinar, visit our Web site.
